As we seek to improve our understanding of the Bible, we should consider backgrounds. The Scriptures were not written in a vacuum. Each story, each teaching, each praise and prayer took place in a setting among peoples with their respective cultures. Since we were not there, we should approach the Scriptures humbly, with an open mind, realizing that people then did things in their ways, not ours. For example, when Jesus spoke to Mary, we might expect Him to call her mother. Instead, He called her “woman” (John 2:4; 19:26), which to us might seem rude. First, give Jesus the benefit of the doubt. He practiced and taught respect for parents (Luke 2:51; Mark 7:10), and loving behavior (1 Corinthians 13:5). Second, be open to “woman” being acceptable in that culture. Third, consider that Jesus, while remaining respectful and affectionate, was making a point. He had been Mary’s little boy, but the relationship was changing. He, the Lord, would be in charge, not she, as He went on to show (John 2:4; Mark 3:32-35).
In some cases, a custom’s explanation is given (Genesis 43:32; 46:34; Ruth 4:7; Mark 7:3) or is obvious (Genesis 24:9; Matthew 27:24). In other cases, historical research helps us. In yet others, we humbly acknowledge our lack of information. It is never a shame to admit, “I don’t know.”